The Tackling Heritage Programme is a five-week learning journey that brings the rich and diverse history of Northampton Saints Rugby Club and the wider community to life. 

By blending sport, storytelling, and historical enquiry, pupils discover how local heritage connects with national and global events, building pride in community identity while deepening historical knowledge and understanding.

The programme supports the History curriculum, developing pupils’ ability to investigate, question, and connect the past to the present:

• KS1: Exploring significant people, events, and places in local history, comparing life in the past to life today.
• KS2: Studying local history in depth, such as Northampton during the World Wars and connecting it to wider national and international events.
• KS3: Examining how local stories reflect major themes such as migration, diversity, conflict, and culture, with opportunities to evaluate sources and interpretations.

Programme Features

Celebrating diversity

Pupils learn about the diverse players and communities who have shaped Northampton Saints, with links to Black History Month and discussions about representation, identity, and inclusion.

Local to global connections

Exploring Northampton’s place in wider historical contexts, from the impact of the World Wars to the cultural significance of rugby across different communities.

Interactive sessions

Storytelling, artefacts, and heritage-based activities make history meaningful and engaging for all ages.

Rugby values in history

Linking teamwork, resilience, and respect from the sport’s traditions to the lives of people in Northampton’s past and present.

Expert insights

Drawing on substantive knowledge and research from Northampton Saints historians to provide pupils with accurate, in-depth information that deepens understanding of both the club’s heritage and its wider historical significance.

The Tackling Heritage Programme helps pupils:

• Develop historical enquiry skills such as questioning, interpreting, and evaluating evidence.
• Understand how local heritage contributes to identity, community, and belonging.
• Recognise and celebrate the diverse contributions of people in Northampton and beyond.
• ​Strengthen cultural capital and reflect on themes of equality, inclusion, and resilience.

For more information or to book the Tackling Heritage Programme, please contact EducationManagers@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org.

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